Tokyo

Figures are planning estimates for one person, reviewed September 2026. Run your own numbers in the cost calculator.

Banking in Japan can be challenging for foreigners. Shinsei Bank is the most English-friendly with free international ATM withdrawals and good online banking. Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) is ubiquitous with ATMs at every post office. MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho are the three mega-banks. Account opening requires: residence card (在留カード), passport, phone number, and inkan (personal seal — though signature is increasingly accepted). Cash remains widely used despite Japan's technological advancement — many small restaurants and shops are cash-only. PayPay and LINE Pay are growing mobile payment options. Wise works well for incoming international transfers.

The 5–45% bands plus the flat 10% resident tax take the top marginal rate past 55% — the counterweight to the city's order, and the reason the tax calculator gets used here in earnest before any Tokyo offer is signed. Progressive income tax from 5% to 45%, plus a flat 10% resident tax (municipal + prefectural). Total marginal rate can exceed 55% at the highest bracket. Social insurance contributions include health insurance (~10%), pension (~18.3%), employment insurance (~0.6%), and nursing care insurance (~1.8%) — typically split between employer and employee. Japan has an extensive double taxation treaty network. The tax system is complex — a Japanese tax accountant (zeirishi) is recommended. Non-permanent residents (those who have not lived in Japan for 5 of the last 10 years) are only taxed on Japanese-source income and foreign income remitted to Japan.

Full expat tax guide →

Japan is deliberately not a nomad destination: the Highly Skilled Professional points route and employer sponsorship are the real doors, and the gains for the qualified are equally deliberate — fast permanent residence for the top scores. Immigration to Japan is relatively restrictive. The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa uses a points-based system considering age, salary, education, and work experience — top scorers get accelerated PR (1-3 years). The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is the most common work visa requiring employer sponsorship. Working Holiday Visas are available for citizens of select countries (ages 18-30). Japan does not have a digital nomad visa, though tourists can stay 90 days visa-free (many nationalities). Working remotely on a tourist visa is technically illegal. The new 'Digital Nomad' visa type is being discussed but not yet available as of 2026.

Compare visa options → · Nomad visa guide →

National Health Insurance or employer cover steps in for 70% of costs, and the system is as reliable as the metro — which, given Tokyo's size, is the highest compliment the dossier can pay a healthcare system. Japan's National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) or employer-provided Social Health Insurance covers 70% of medical costs, with patients paying 30% out of pocket. Monthly premiums vary by income and municipality (typically ¥15,000-50,000/month). Healthcare quality is excellent — Japan has the most hospital beds per capita globally and advanced medical technology. Waiting times are generally short. Most doctors in major cities can communicate basic medical information in English, though language barriers exist for complex consultations. Prescription medication costs are reasonable with insurance coverage. Mental health services are improving but still somewhat stigmatized. Dental care is covered at 70% under NHI.

• Incredibly safe — leave your laptop at a cafe, it'll be there when you return
• World's best public transport — trains arrive within 30 seconds of schedule
• Amazing food at every price point — from ¥500 ramen to ¥50,000 omakase
• Clean and organized — spotlessly maintained, even in the busiest areas

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